United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
AirAsia starts Stansted-KL flights
AirAsia flies its inaugural London Stansted to Kuala Lumpur flight today, the first low-cost, long-haul service connecting the UK to Asia.
The new service will initially operate five times per week, connecting to 64 destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Bali from £10, and on to Australia for under £100.
AirAsia group CEO Tony Fernandes said: “Since Sir Freddie Laker’s Skytrain, no airline has ever managed to carry passengers this far at such low fares.
“This is a revolutionary moment for the aviation industry and a great day for passengers, who can have an amazing Asian experience for the price of travelling to Europe.
“Our sales have proved this business model not only works, but is flourishing in a tough market. Long-haul legacy carriers have charged too much for too long to millions and millions of passengers, and today we have made the sky a fairer place to flyâ€
“We are at the very beginning of realising our ambitions in Europe. We will aim to add more frequency to create a daily shuttle to Asia and lower our fares even further.â€
The economy promo fare offered at £99 were all snapped up within 48 hours after the airline opened for sale last November.
Other regular fares offered at £149 and £199 one way were also sold very fast, said the airline.
The route will be serviced by an Airbus A340-300, which holds 286 seats including 30 XL seats which have a 60-inch pitch.
XL seats start at £699, with recent offers driving prices as low as £399.
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Royal Caribbean issues Legionnaires’ disease warning
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week